Pope Francis was in critical condition on Saturday after experiencing a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen support, according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for a week due to a severe lung infection, also underwent blood transfusions after tests indicated a condition linked to anemia, the Vatican confirmed in a late update.
“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved,” the statement noted.
Earlier, doctors had reported that Francis was battling pneumonia along with a complex respiratory infection, describing his condition as precarious. They indicated that he would need to remain in the hospital for at least another week.
Despite the pope’s absence, the Vatican continued its Holy Year celebrations on Saturday.
A brief earlier update stated that Francis had slept well overnight.
However, doctors cautioned that the most significant risk he faces is sepsis, a serious and potentially fatal blood infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, no signs of sepsis had emerged, and Francis was responding to his medications, according to the first detailed medical update provided by his team.
“He is not out of danger,” his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, stated. “So like all fragile patients I say they are always on the golden scale: In other words, it takes very little to become unbalanced.”
Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 following a weeklong bout of bronchitis that had worsened.
Medical examinations confirmed the presence of a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, which then progressed to pneumonia in both lungs. As a result, doctors prescribed complete rest along with a treatment plan that includes cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen as needed.
Carbone, along with Francis’ personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, had been overseeing his care at the Vatican prior to his hospitalization. The physician acknowledged that Francis had insisted on staying at the Vatican to continue working, despite his deteriorating health.
“He remained at the Vatican because of institutional and private commitments,” Carbone revealed. Before being admitted to the hospital, the pope was being treated by a cardiologist and an infectious disease specialist, in addition to his personal medical team.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, emphasized that the most pressing concern is the possibility of the bacteria in Francis’ respiratory system entering his bloodstream and causing sepsis. The condition can lead to organ failure and even death.
“Sepsis, with his respiratory problems and his age, would be really difficult to get out of,” Alfieri explained at a press conference on Friday. “The English say ‘knock on wood,’ we say ‘touch iron.’ Everyone touch what they want,” he added, tapping the microphone for emphasis. “But this is the real risk in these cases: that these germs pass to the bloodstream.”
“He knows he’s in danger,” Alfieri continued. “And he told us to relay that.”
Meanwhile, deacons gathered at the Vatican for their special Jubilee weekend. Francis’ illness came at the start of the Vatican’s Holy Year, a celebration of Catholicism that occurs once every 25 years. The pope had been scheduled to lead events honoring deacons, a role in the Church that serves as a step before priestly ordination.
In his absence, the Vatican announced that the Holy Year organizer would preside over Sunday’s Mass. Additionally, for the second consecutive weekend, Francis was expected to forgo his traditional Sunday noon blessing. Although he could have delivered it from Gemelli Hospital, his condition made that uncertain.
“Look, even though he’s not (physically) here, we know he’s here,” said Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, attending the Vatican’s Jubilee celebration. “He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts and is accompanying us because our prayers and his go together.”
Doctors stressed that Francis’ recovery will be a gradual process. Even after his release from the hospital, he will continue to live with chronic respiratory issues at the Vatican.
“He has to get over this infection and we all hope he gets over it,” Alfieri remarked. “But the fact is, all doors are open.”
